EPSON TERMINAL PRINTER

EPSON Stylus Color 300

SERVICE MANUAL

EPSON
4007996

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SEIKO
EPSON CORPORATION.
The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
All effort have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this manual.
However, should any errors be deteced, SEIKO EPSON would greatly appreciate being
informed of them.
The above not withstanding SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION can assume no
responsibility for any errors in this manual or the consequences thereof.

EPSON is a registered trademark of SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION.

General Notice:

Other product names used herein are for identification purpose only
and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners. EPSON disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

Copyright 1996 SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. Printed in Japan.

PRECAUTIONS
Precautionary notations throughout the text are categorized relative to 1)Personal injury and
2) damage to equipment.

DANGER

Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in serious or fatal personal

injury. Great caution should be exercised in performing procedures preceded
by DANGER Headings.

WARNING

Signals a precaution which, if ignored, could result in damage to equipment.

The precautionary measures itemized below should always be observed when performing
repair/maintenance procedures.

DANGER
1. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE PRODUCT FROM THE POWER SOURCE AND
PERIPHERAL DEVICES PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR
PROCEDURES.
2. NOWORK SHOULD BE PERFORMED ON THE UNIT BY PERSONS UNFAMILIER
WITH BASIC SAFETY MEASURES AS DICTATED FOR ALL ELECTRONICS
TECHNICIANS IN THEIR LINE OF WORK.
3. WHEN PERFORMING TESTING AS DICTATED WITHIN THIS MANUAL, DO NOT
CONNECT THE UNIT TO A POWER SOURCE UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
WHEN THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE MUST BE CONNECTED, USE EXTREME
CAUTION IN WORKING ON POWER SUPPLY AND OTHER ELECTRONIC
COMPONENTS.

WARNING
1. REPAIRS ON EPSON PRODUCT SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY AN EPSON
CERTIFIED REPAIR TECHNICIAN.
2. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE SOURCE VOLTAGES IS THE SAME AS THE RATED
VOLTAGE, LISTED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER/RATING PLATE. IF THE EPSON
PRODUCT HAS A PRIMARY AC RATING DIFFERENT FROM AVAILABLE POWER
SOURCE, DO NOT CONNECT IT TO THE POWER SOURCE.
3. ALWAYS VERIFY THAT THE EPSON PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM
THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE REMOVING OR REPLACING PRINTED CIRCUIT
BOARDS AND/OR INDIVIDUAL CHIPS.
4. IN ORDER TO PROTECT SENSITIVE MICROPROCESSORS AND CIRCUITRY, USE
STATIC DISCHARGE EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS ANTI-STATIC WRIST STRAPS, WHEN
ACCESSING INTERNAL COMPONENTS.
5. REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENTS ONLY WITH THOSE COMPONENTS
BY THE MANUFACTURE; INTRODUCTION OF SECOND-SOURCE ICs OR OTHER
NONAPPROVED COMPONENTS MAY DAMAGE THE PRODUCT AND VOID ANY
APPLICABLE EPSON WARRANTY.

PREFACE
This manual describes basic functions, theory of electrical and mechanical operations,
maintenance and repair procedures of EPSON Stylus Color 300. The instructions and
procedures included herein are intended for the experienced repair technicians, and
attention should be given to the precautions on the preceding page. The chapters are
organized as follows:

CHAPTER 1.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

Provides a general overview and specifications of the product.

CHAPTER 2.

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

Describes the theory of electrical and mechanical operations of the product.

CHAPTER 3.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Provides the step-by-step procedures for troubleshooting.

CHAPTER 4.

DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

Describes the step-by-step procedures for disassembling and assembling the product.

CHAPTER 5.

ADJUSTMENTS

Provides Epson-approved methods for adjustment.

CHAPTER 6.

MAINTENANCE

Provides preventive maintenance procedures and the lists of Epson-approved lubricants and
adhesives required for servicing the product.

APPENDIX
Provides the following additional information for reference:
Connector pin assignments
Electric circuit boards components layout
Exploded diagram
Electrical circuit boards schematics

REVISION SHEET
Revision
A

Issued
July 2, 1997

Contents
First issue

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1.PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
CHAPTER 2.OPERATION PRINCIPLES
CHAPTER 3.DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
CHAPTER 4.ADJUSTMENT
CHAPTER 5.TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER 6.MAINTENANCE
APPENDIX

CHAPTER 1
PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
1.1 FEATURES ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................... 1-2
1.2.1 Printing Specifications.......................................................... 1-2
1.2.2 Software Specifications ........................................................ 1-3
1.2.3 Paper Handling ...................................................................... 1-4
1.2.4 Paper Specifications ............................................................. 1-4
1.2.5 Printable Area ........................................................................ 1-6
1.2.6 PG Adjust Lever Setting........................................................ 1-7
1.2.7 Paper Select Lever Setting ................................................... 1-7
1.2.8 Ink Cartridge Specification ................................................... 1-8
1.2.9 Electrical Specifications ....................................................... 1-9
1.2.10 Environmental Conditions .................................................. 1-9
1.2.11 Reliability............................................................................ 1-10
1.2.12 Acoustic Noise................................................................... 1-10
1.2.13 Safety Approvals................................................................ 1-10
1.2.14 CE Marking......................................................................... 1-10
1.2.15 Physical Specifications..................................................... 1-11
1.3 INTERFACE SPECIFICATION ...................................................... 1-12
1.4 OPERATIONS................................................................................ 1-12
1.4.1 Control Panel ....................................................................... 1-12
1.4.1.1 Buttons....................................................................... 1-12
1.4.1.2 LED Indicators ........................................................... 1-14
1.5 MAIN COMPONENTS ................................................................... 1-15
1.5.1 Printer Mechanism .............................................................. 1-15
1.5.2 Main Control Board (C224 MAIN Board)............................ 1-15
1.5.3 Power Supply Unit (C160 PSB/PSE Board)....................... 1-15
1.5.4 Housing ................................................................................ 1-15

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

1.1 FEATURES
The EPSON Stylus Color 300 printer is a color ink jet printer that comes with standard four
colors (Black and CMY) printhead. The major features of this printer are:

Standard four-colors printing.

Both black and color (CMY) print nozzles are built in one-piece printhead.
High-quality color printing
360 dpi (Horizontal/Vertical) printing and semi-720 dpi (Vertical only) printing
High-speed printing
200 CPS at 10CPI (Pica) text printing in Black color.
Standard Bi-directional Parallel Interface (IEEE1284 Nibble mode)

Rev. A

1-1

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

1.2 SPECIFICATIONS
This section describes the product specifications for EPSON Stylus Color 300.

1.2.1 Printing Specifications

Print system:
Nozzle configuration:

On-demand ink jet printer

Black:
31 nozzles
(11 nozzles x 2 columns and 10 nozzles x 1 column)
Color:
11 nozzles / color

16/360"
(1.1289mm)

104/360"
(7.3378mm)

16/360"
(1.1289mm)

104/360"
(7.3378mm)
#31

#M11
#C11

#B30

#Y11

1/60"
(0.4233mm)

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

Print direction (Paper feed)

1/60"
(0.4233mm)

#29

#B3
#B1

#M1
#C1

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

#B2

#Y1

16/360"
(1.1289mm)

Viewed from the back of the printhead

Figure 1-1. Printhead Nozzle Configuration

Print direction:

Bi-directional printing with logical-seeking

Print speed:

Text:
200 CPS (LQ/10CPI in Black color)
Graphics: 20 IPS (at 360DPI)

Printable column:

Text:
80 columns (10CPI)
Graphics: 2880 dot (at 360DPI)

Character Table:

Typeface:

No table and include only the following characters:

Alphabet [A to Z] (code 41H ~ 5AH)
Number [0 to 9] (code 30H ~ 39H)
SPACE (code 20H)
Symbol [#] (code 23H)
Bitmap LQ / EPSON Courier (10CPI)

Input data buffer:

25Kbyte

1-2

Rev. A

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

1.2.2 Software Specifications

Printer Language: Exclusive control codes for EPSON Stylus Color 300
EPSON Remote Command
Control Code:

<Character mode>
General operation:
Paper feeding:
Carriage operation
EEPROM Control
<Graphics mode>
General operation:

Paper feeding:

Carriage operation:
Page formatting:
Print position control:
Spacing:
Graphics:
Color control:

Note)

ESC @
FF
LF
CR
ESC |

Initialize printer
Uni-directional printing
CSF Mode control
Form feed
Line feed
Line spacing
Carriage return
Page length
Top/Bottom margin
Horizontal print position
Vertical print position
Define unit
Graphics mode
Raster graphics
Printing color

ESC @
ESC U
ESC EM
FF
LF
ESC +
CR
ESC (C
ESC (c
ESC $, ESC
ESC (V, ESC (v
ESC (U
ESC (G
ESC . (1)
ESC r (2)

EPSON Stylus Color 300 requires the specific printer driver for proper printing
operation and control, and use of other printer driver could result in improper
printing.
1:
2:

Rev. A

Initialize printer
Form feed
Line feed
Carriage return

Works only with unique parameters.

It works only as a print buffer select command.

1-3

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

1.2.3 Paper Handling

Feeding method:
Paper path:
Line spacing:
Paper feeding speed:

Friction feed with built-in ASF

Rear-top entrance / Front eject
1/6 inch or programmable in 1/360 inch minimum increments.
102 mS (at 1/6 inch paper feed pitch)

1.2.4 Paper Specifications

Cut sheet
Size:
Table 1-1. Paper Size - Cut Sheet
Type
A4
LETTER
B5
LEGAL
Statement
Executive

Thickness:
Weight:
Quality:

Width
210 mm
(8.3)
216 mm
(8.5)
182 mm
(7.2)
216 mm
(8.5)
139.7 mm
(5.5)
184.2 mm
(7.25)

Length
297 mm
(11.7)
279 mm
(11.0)
257 mm
(10.1)
356 mm
(14.0)
215.9 mm
(8.5)
266.7 mm
(10.5)

0.08 ~ 0.11 mm (0.003 ~ 0.004)

64 ~ 90 g/m (17 ~ 24 lb.)
Plain paper, Recycled paper, EPSON special medias

Envelope
Size:
Table 1-2. Paper Size - Envelope
Type
No.10
DL

Thickness:
Weight:
Quality:

Width
241 mm
1
(9 /2)
220 mm
(8.7)

Length
104.8 mm
1
(4 /8)
110 mm
(4.3)

0.16 ~ 0.52 mm (0.006 ~ 0.020)

45 ~ 90 g/m
BOND paper, Plain paper, Airmail

Note)
Envelope printing is allowed only under normal temperature/humidity
condition.
Set the longer side of envelope horizontally at setting.

1-4

Rev. A

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

Others
Size:

Table 1-3. Paper Size - Special Media

Type
Transparency (A4)
Transparency (LETTER)
Glossy Paper (A4)
Glossy Paper (LETTER)
Index Card (A6 size)

Quality:
Thickness:

Note)

Rev. A

Width
210 mm
(8.3)
216 mm
(8.5)
210 mm
(8.3)
216 mm
(8.5)
105 mm
(4.1)

Length
297 mm
(11.7)
279 mm
(11.0)
297 mm
(11.7)
279 mm
(11.0)
148 mm
(5.8)

Exclusive transparency/Glossy Paper

0.23 mm (0.0091) for Index Card

Set the paper thickness lever to THICK PAPER position for index card
printing.

1-5

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

1.2.5 Printable Area

The maximum printable area with each type of paper is summarized in table below.
Table 1-4. Printable Area
Type
A4
LETTER
LEGAL
A6
B5
Statement
Executive
No.10
DL

PW
(typ.)
210 mm
(8.3)
216 mm
(8.5)
216 mm
(8.5)
105 mm
(4.1)
182 mm
(7.2)
139.7 mm
(5.5)
184.2 mm
(7.25)
241 mm
(9.5)
220 mm
(8.7)

PL
(typ.)
297 mm
(11.7)
279 mm
(11.0)
356 mm
(14)
148 mm
(5.8)
257 mm
(10.1)
215.9 mm
(8.5)
266.7 mm
(10.5)
105 mm
(4.1)
110 mm
(4.3)

LM
(Min.)
3.0 mm
(0.12)

RM
(Min.)
3.0 mm
(0.12)

TM
(Min.)
3.0 mm
(0.12)

BM
(Min.)
14.0 mm
(0.55)

33.8 mm
(1.33)
13.8 mm
(0.54)

PW
CUT SHEET

RM

PL

TM

LM

BM

Printable Area

PW
LM

RM

PL

TM

ENVELOPE

BM

Printable Area

Figure 1-2. Printable Area

1-6

Rev. A

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

1.2.6 PG Adjust Lever Setting

The paper-gap (PG); a space between the printhead nozzle surface annd the paper
surface, can be adjusted to the appropriate level by the PG adjust lever which located
underneath the printer cover.
Table 1-5. PG Adjust Lever Setting
Paper Type
Cut Sheet
Envelope

Lever Position
Front
(0 position)
Rear
(+ position)

Gap Setting
0 mm
+0.62 mm

1.2.7 Paper Select Lever Setting

The built-in ASF is equipped with the adjust lever and the position of lever should be set to
appropriate position according to the type of paper used for the printing.
Table 1-6. Paper Select Lever Setting
Paper Feeding
Source
Select
Lever
Position
ASF
Thick
Normal
Manual
Thick
Insertion
Normal

Paper Type
Cut Sheet

Envelope

No
OK
OK
No

OK
No
OK
No

Paper Thickness Lever

(Forward position: Normal
Backward position: Thick paper)

Paper Thickness Lever (Locate underneath the printer cover)

(Forward position: "0" Normal
Backward position: "+" Envelopes)

Figure 1-3. PG Adjust Lever and Paper Select Lever

Rev. A

1-7

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

1.2.8 Ink Cartridge Specification

Type:
Color:

Exclusive cartridge
Black and CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)

Print capacity:

220 pages
450 pages

Validity:

2 years (in sealed package)

6 months (out of package)

Storage conditions:

Transit (Package):

Weight:
Dimensions:

69.3 gram (internal ink amount = 41.1g)

45.9 (W) 56.5 (D) 38.5 0.3 (H) mm

(360 DPI / 5% duty for each color on A4)

(ISO/IEC10561 LETTER pattern at 360 DPI
monochrome printing on A4)

56.5 mm

-30 60 C
(120 hours or less at 60 C and
a month or less at 40 C)
Storage (Package): -30 40 C
(A month or less at 40 C)
After installation:
-20 40 C
(A month or less at 40 C)

38.5 mm
45.9 mm

Yellow
Magenta
Cyan

Black
Figure 1-4. Ink Cartridge

1-8

Rev. A

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

1.2.9 Electrical Specifications

Table 1-7. Electrical Specification
Item
Rated Voltage
Input Voltage
Range
Rated Frequency
Range
Input Frequency
Range
Rated Current
Power
Consumption
Insulation
Resistance

120V Version
120 VAC
103.5 132 V

220 240V Version

220 240 VAC
198 264 V

50 60 Hz

50 60 Hz

49.5 60.5 Hz

49.5 60.5 Hz

0.5 A
(Max. 0.5 A)
Approx. 15 W
(ISO/IEC10561 LETTER pattern)

0.3 A
(Max. 0.3 A)
Approx. 15 W
(ISO/IEC10561 LETTER pattern)
Energy Star Compliant
10 M, Min.
(applying 500 VDC between AC
line and chassis)
AC 1500 Vrms for 1 min.
(between AC line and chassis)

10 M, Min.
(applying 500 VDC between AC
line and chassis)
AC 1000 Vrms for 1 min. or
AC 1200 Vrms for 1 sec.
(between AC line and chassis)

Dielectric
Strength

1.2.10 Environmental Conditions

Table 1-8. Environmental Conditions
Condition
Temperature
Humidity
Shock
Resistance
Vibration
Resistance

Note)

1:
2:
3:

Operating
10 35 C 3
20 80 % 2/3
1G
(within 1 ms)
0.15G

Non operating
-20 60 C 1
5 85 % 1/2
2G
(within 2 ms) 1
0.50G 1

Applicable when the unit is in a shipping container.

Without condensation.
The unit should be operated within the range shown in figure below.
Humidity
(%)
80
55

20

10

27

35

Temperature
(C)

Figure 1-5. Temperature and Humidity Range

Rev. A

1-9

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

1.2.11 Reliability
Total Print Volume:
Printhead Life:

10,000 pages (A4 / LETTER)

1000 million dots / nozzle (Black and CMY)

1.2.12 Acoustic Noise

Level:

Approx. 45 dB(A) (according to ISO7779)

1.2.13 Safety Approvals

Table 1-9. Safety Approvals
Item
Safety Standard
EMI

120V Version
UL1950 with D3
CSA C22.2 No.950 with D3
FCC part 15 subpart B class B
CSA C108.8 class B

220 240V Version

EN 60950 (TV, NEMKO)
EN55022 (CISPR Pub.22) class B
AS/NSZ 3548 class B

1.2.14 CE Marking
[220 ~ 240V Version only]
Low Voltage Directive 73/26/EEC:
EMC Directive89/336/EEC:

1-10

EN60950
EN55022 Class B
EN61000-3-2
EN61000-3-3
EN50082-1
IEC801-2
IEC801-3
IEC801-4

Rev. A

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

1.2.15 Physical Specifications

Dimensions:

397 (W) 319 (D) 269 (H) mm

(operating condition)

Weight:

3.9 Kg (exclude the printhead and the ink cartridge)

269 mm

319 mm

m
397 m

Figure 1-6. Dimensions

Rev. A

1-11

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

1.3 INTERFACE SPECIFICATION

Refer to the service manual of EPSON Stylus Color 200 / Stylus 200 for details.

1.4 OPERATIONS
This section describes the basic operation of the printer.

1.4.1 Control Panel

The control panel is equipped with two non-lock type push buttons and three LED
indicators, and operations of each button and LED indicator are described below.

Buttons
LOAD/EJECT

CLEANING

LED Indicators
PAPER OUT (Red)
INK OUT (Red)
POWER (Green)

Figure 1-7. Control Panel

1.4.1.1 Buttons

Normal Operation
Table 1-10. Control Panel - Normal Operations

Button
LOAD/EJECT

Operation
Pressed less than
3 sec.

Function

Loads or ejects the paper.

When the carriage is at the ink-cartridge
replace position, return the carriage to the
home position.

Pressed for 3 sec.

Starts the ink-cartridge replace operation and

the carriage moves to the ink-cartridge
replace position.

CLEANING

Pressed less than

3 sec.

Starts the cleaning operation.

When the printer is in Ink Low, Ink Out or
No ink cartridge status, the printer moves the
carriage to the ink-cartridge replace position.

Pressed for 3 sec.

When the carriage is at the ink-cartridge

replace position, return the carriage to the
home position.

1-12

Rev. A

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

Power-On Operation
Table 1-11. Control Panel - Power-on Operations
Button
st

[1 button]
Hold down at
power on
CLEANING
LOAD/EJECT
LOAD/EJECT
+
CLEANING

Note)

1:
2:

nd

[2 button]
Pressed within
3 sec. after
power on. 2
--------LOAD/EJECT
+
CLEANING 1

Function
The printer perform the following after
performing the control panel operation
in left column.
Self-printing test
Status printing
EEPROM Initialization

Holds down the specified buttons for 10 sec. or more until INK OUT and
PAPER OUT LED starts blinking.
After the power on, INK OUT and PAPER OUT LED starts blinking and
continue for about 3 sec. Press within 3 sec. after power on means to press
nd
2 buttons while these LED are blinking.

Self-test printing:The printer prints the self check test pattern. The printer prints
a page at a time and pauses between each page. When the
printer is in pause state, press LOAD/EJECT button to resume
printing and turn the power off to cancel the self-test printing.
Status printing:

The printer prints; Firmware version, ink counter value and a

nozzle check pattern. The printer goes to a pause state after
print one page. To cancel the status printing, turn the power

off
while the printer is in pause state.

EEPROM Initialization: Initialize the following addresses of the EEPROM (refer to the
EEPROM address map table in Appendix.)
1AH:
1BH:
2CH/2DH:
70H - 73H:
78H - 7BH:

Rev. A

Interface selection (00H: Auto)

Interface Wait Time (02H: 2 sec.)
Counter A (Protect counter) (00H)
4-color head non-installation time (00H)
Power Off Timer (00H)

1-13

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

1.4.1.2 LED Indicators

The LED indicators of the control panel shows the various printer status as below.
Table 1-12. Control Panel - LED Status Indications
Status
Ink low (printable)
Ink out (not printable)
Paper out
Paper jam
No ink cartridge
No printhead

POWER
ON
ON
ON
ON
ON
ON

INK OUT
Blink
ON
--------ON
Blink
(Fast)
-----

PAPER OUT
--------ON
Blink
-------------

High

Blink
Blink
(Fast)
ON

Highest

Blink
(Fast)

Replacing head/ink cartridge

Printing
During ink sequence

Blink

EEPROM initialization
Button(s) is pressed at power
on

ON
Blink

Carriage control error

Fatal error

Blink

Blink
Blink
(Fast)
ON

Maintenance request

Blink
(Fast)

Blink
(Fast)

1-14

Priority
Low

Medium

Rev. A

Chapter 1 Product Descriptions

1.5 MAIN COMPONENTS

The EPSON Stylus Color 300 is composed of the following main components:

Printer mechanism
Main control board (C224 MAIN Board)
Power Supply Unit (C160 PSB/PSE Board : Same as EPSON Stylus Color 200 / Stylus
200)
Control Panel
Housing

1.5.1 Printer Mechanism

The mechanical design of printer mechanism for EPSON Stylus Color 300 is basically the
same with EPSON Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200, and is equipped with the detachable 4colors one-piece printhead unit.

1.5.2 Main Control Board (C224 MAIN Board)

The main control board (C224 MAIN board) is controlled by the M37721S2BFP 16bit CPU
(IC2) which driven with 25MHz clock speed. The E05B49KA custom gate array (IC1)
controls the memories (ROM and RAM), a built-in parallel interface circuit and the printhead
drive voltage generation circuit.

1.5.3 Power Supply Unit (C160 PSB/PSE Board)

The power supply unit of EPSON Stylus Color 300 is exactly the same with EPSON Stylus
Color 200/Stylus 200.

1.5.4 Housing
In accordance with the control panel design change, the upper housing is also changed
from EPSON Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200.

Rev. A

1-15

CHAPTER 2
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
2.1 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.1 PRINTER MECHANISM ......................................................... 2-1
2.1.1.1 Printhead Unit .............................................................. 2-1

Chapter 2 Operating Principles

2.1 OVERVIEW
Since most of the printer mechanism design and the electrical circuits of EPSON Stylus
Color 300 remains the same with EPSON Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200, this chapter only
describes the difference in the printer mechanism.

2.1.1 PRINTER MECHANISM

Based on the printer mechanism for EPSON Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200, a newly designed
one-piece 4-color printhead is incorporated on EPSON Stylus Color 300. This section only
describes the printhead.

2.1.1.1 Printhead Unit

The printhead unit for EPSON Stylus Color 300 is a new design printhead and has both
black and color (CMY) nozzles in one unit. The nozzle arrangement of the printhead is
shown below.
16/360"
(1.1289mm)

104/360"
(7.3378mm)

16/360"
(1.1289mm)

104/360"
(7.3378mm)
#31

#M11
#C11

#B30

#Y11

1/60"
(0.4233mm)

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

Print direction (Paper feed)

1/60"
(0.4233mm)

#29

#B3
#B1

#M1
#C1

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

1/180"
(0.1411mm)

#B2

#Y1

16/360"
(1.1289mm)

Viewed from the back of the printhead

Figure 2-1. Printhead (Nozzle Configuration)

To compensate the electrical characteristics variation of the piezo-electric element used on
each printhead unit, the electrical characteristics is measured at the factory and the
measured characteristic level is designated as an ID of the printhead. The ID of printhead is
recorded on each printedhead by changing a signal line pattern connection on the head
drive circuit of the printhead. The main control circuit detect the status of this signal line and
determines the printhead ID and adjust the head drive voltage level according to the
printhead ID. Therefore, no head ID registration to EEPROM is required on this printer.

Rev. A

2-1

CHAPTER 3
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
3.1 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1 Upper Case Removal............................................................. 3-1
3.1.2 C224 MAIN Board Removal .................................................. 3-2

Chapter 3 Disassembly and Assembly

3.1 OVERVIEW
This section describes procedures for disassembling and assembling the main components
of EPSON Stylus Color 300. Since the most of components are the same with EPSON
Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200, this manual only describes procedures unique to this printer.

3.1.1 Upper Case Removal

1. Remove the sheet guide from the printer.
2. Move the paper select lever to the backward position, then remove one screw
(CBP/M2x6) securing a knob to the paper select lever.
3. Open the printer cover, then remove five screws (one CBB/M4x6 and four CBP/M4x12)
securing the upper case to the bottom case.
4. Remove the upper case by lifting it upward.

Knob
(paper select lever)
CBP (M4x12)

CBP (M2x8)

Printer Cover

CBB (M3x8)

Upper Case

Figure 3-1. Upper Case Removal

Rev. A

3-1

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

3.1.2 C224 MAIN Board Removal

1. Remove the upper case. (See Section 3.1.1).
2. Remove five screws (CBB/M3x6); four screws fixing the shield plate directly to the C224
MAIN Board and one screw fixing the metal bracket to the shield plate.
3. Disconnect all cables connected to the C224 MAIN Board and remove the C224 MAIN
Board.

CBB (M3x6)

CBB (M3x6)

Bracket

SHIELD PLATE

C224 MAIN BOARD

Figure 3-2. C224 MAIN Board Removal

3-2

Rev. A

CHAPTER 4
ADJUSTMENT
4.1 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Adjustment Tools .................................................................. 4-1
4.1.2 Applicable Repair .................................................................. 4-1
4.1.3 Adjustment Program ............................................................. 4-2
4.1.3.1 Zig-Zag Adjustment ..................................................... 4-2
4.1.3.2 Bi-D Adjustment........................................................... 4-2
4.1.3.3 Head Angle Adjustment ............................................... 4-2
4.1.3.4 RESET Fucntion .......................................................... 4-3

Chapter 4 Adjustment

4.1 OVERVIEW
This section describes procedures for adjustments which required when the printer is
disassembled and assembled for repair.

CAUTION

Once the ink cartridge is removed from the printer before ink-end, never re-use it.
For adjustment and testing, always replace the ink cartridge to new one designed
exclusively for service:
Description:
Code:

4.1.1 Adjustment Tools

The table below lists the tools required to make adjustment on EPSON Stylus Color 300.
Table 4-1. Tools for Adjustment
Tool
Thickness Gauge Set #F518
*1
Adjustment Program
Name: CLR300.EXE

Code
B776702201
-----

Applicable Adjustment
Platen Gap Adjustment

Head Angle Adjustment

Bi-D Adjustment
Zig-Zag Alignment Adjustment
RESET function for:
*Ink counter
*Initial charge flag
*Protect counter (Waste ink counter)

4.1.2 Applicable Repair

An appropriate adjustment have to be made according to the type of repair performed.
Table 4-2. Applicable Adjustment
Repair
C224 MAIN board is replaced *1
Printhead is replaced *2
Printer mechanism is replaced *2
CR Motor or timing belt is replaced
Carriage assembly is disassembled

Note) *1:
*2:

Rev. A

Applicable Adjustment
Zig-Zag Alignment Adjustment
Bi-D Adjustment
Zig-Zag Alignment Adjustment
Head Angle Adjustment
Zig-Zag Alignment Adjustment
Bi-D Adjustment
Bi-D Alignment

Replace the ink cartridge and the waste ink pad to new one and reset
ink counter and protect counter.
Replace the ink cartridge to new one and reset initial charge flag and
ink counter.

4-1

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

4.1.3 Adjustment Program

The adjustment program CLR300.EXE is specifically designed for use with the EPSON
Stylus Color 300 and the following adjustments can be made with this program.

Zig-Zag Adjustment
Bi-D Adjustment
Head Angle Adjustment
Reset operation

To start making adjustment with the program, execute the program on the PC that
connected to the target printer and follow the instruction shown on the PC monitor.

CAUTION
Since the mechanism design is the same with the EPSON Stylus Color 200, refer to
the service manual for EPSON Stylus Color 200, at Chapter 4 Adjustment, for the
detail procedures.

4.1.3.1 Zig-Zag Adjustment

This adjustment is required to specify the print timing control parameter that determines the
ink injection timing for each nozzle. If the adjustment is wrong, a vertical line printed within
single print pass become jagged.
Verify the check pattern printed by the program and specify the parameter until the check
pattern become aligned most properly.

4.1.3.2 Bi-D Adjustment

This adjustment is required to specify the control parameter that determines the print timing
in bi-directional printing. If the adjustment is wrong, the print position at each print direction
is not aligned each other.
Verify the check pattern printed by the program and specify the parameter until the check
pattern become aligned most properly.

4.1.3.3 Head Angle Adjustment

This adjustment is required when the printhead is replaced to new one. Every dot line
(raster) need to be parallel each other and the angle of the printhead, at which the
printhead is fixed on the carriage assembly, determines a parallel level.
The program prints the check pattern to judge the angle of printhead, and is the angle is not
correct, move the head angle adjust lever located at the right hand side of the carriage
assembly to a position with which the printed pattern become parallel.

4-2

Rev. A

Chapter 4 Adjustment

4.1.3.4 RESET Fucntion

Since various ink system management information are stored in EEPROM on the main
board, the information integrity need to be kept even after the combination of the printer
mechanism and the main board is altered. Therefore, if any of the component (main board,
printer mechanism or the printhead) is replaced to new one, reset the appropriate
information (counter value or flag).
Table 4-3. RESET Operation
Type of Repair
C224 MAIN board is replaced

Printer Mechanism is replaced

Printhead is replaced

Rev. A

Required Operation
Ink Cartridge replacement
Waste ink pad replacement
[RESET]
Ink counter
[RESET]
Protect counter
[RESET]
Initial charge flag
[RESET]
Ink counter
Ink Cartridge replacement
[RESET]
Initial charge flag
[RESET]
Ink counter
Ink Cartridge replacement

4-3

CHAPTER 5
TROUBLESHOOTING
5.1 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 Unit Repair - C224 MAIN Board ............................................ 5-1

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

5.1 OVERVIEW
Since the printer mechanism and the power supply unit are remains the same with EPSON
Stylus Color 200/Stylus 200, this chapter describes only the checkpoints on the main control
circuit; C224 MAIN Board.

5.1.1 Unit Repair - C224 MAIN Board

The table below provides various symptom, likely causes and checkpoint, relating to the
C224 MAIN Board.

Symptom
Printer does
not operate
at all.

Condition
CPU does
not operate.

ASIC does
not operate.

Rev. A

Cause
Reset IC (IC9)
is defective

Checkpoint
Check the signal waveform at pin 6 of
IC9:

Solution
Replace IC9

Oscillator
(CR2) or CPU
(IC2) is
defective

Is the signal waveform output from CR2

correct at pin 37/38?

Correct:
Replace IC2
Incorrect:
Replace CR2

ASIC (IC1) is
defective

Is the signal waveform at pins 52 of IC1

correct?

Replace IC1

5-1

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

Symptom
Self-test
printing is
abnormal.

Carriage
does not
operate
normally.

5-2

Condition
No printing.

Drive signals
are not
output
correctly.

Cause
PWM signal is
not output.

Checkpoint
Is PWM signal waveform correct at pin
140 of IC1?

Solution
Replace IC1

Head drive
voltage
generation
circuit does
not operate.

Check waveform of the signal VO:

Replace any
defective
components:
Q1/2/4/7/8 or
QM1/3/4/5/6/7/8

CPU (IC2) is
defective

Is the signal waveform correct at pin 5/6

of IC2?

Replace IC2

CR Motor
driver (IC8) is
defective

Is the signal waveform correct at pin

3/6/18/21 of IC8?

Correct:
Replace CR
Motor
Incorrect:
Replace IC9

Rev. A

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

Symptom
Paper does
not advance
normally.

Rev. A

Condition
Drive signals
are not
output
correctly.

Cause
CPU (IC2) is
defective

Checkpoint
Is the signal waveform correcr at pin 7/8
of IC2?

Solution
Replace IC2

PF Motor
driver (IC16)
is defective

Is the signal waveform correct at pin

14/17/20/23 of IC16?

Correct:
Replace PF
Motor
Incorrect:
Replace IC16

5-3

CHAPTER 6
MAINTENANCE
6.1 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Maintenance Request............................................................ 6-1

Chapter 6 Maintenance

6.1 OVERVIEW
This section describes the maintenance points and the procedures specific for EPSON
Stylus Color 300.

WARNING

If ink gets in your eyes, flush them immediately with water and seek medical
attention.
Disconnect the printer from the power source when you clean inside the printer.

CAUTION

Once the ink cartridge is removed from the printer before ink-end, never re-use it.
For adjustment and testing, use the ink cartridge designed exclusively for service:
Description:
Code:

6.1.1 Maintenance Request

The printer counts total amount of ink drained to the waste ink pad and this information is
stored in the EEPROM on the main board, as the protect counter A value for ink system
operation management. When the counter value reaches the predetermined value, the
printer detects it as Maintenance Request error and displays the error status with the
control panel LED indicators (see Table 1-12 at Chapter 1, Section 1.4.1.2 LED Indicators).
When this error displayed, replace the waste ink pad to new one and reset the counter
value with the procedure shown below.

Turn the printer ON while

hold down the buttons:

LOAD/EJECT
CLEANING

"POWER" LED
continue for 3 seconds

"INK OUT" LED

"PAPER OUT" LED

Press the buttons within

3 seconds from power ON,
and kept them pressed until
"INK END", "PAPER OUT"
LEDs starts blinking:

LOAD/EJECT
CLEANING

"POWER" LED
"INK OUT" LED
"PAPER OUT" LED

Figure 6-1. Maintenance Request Error Clear Operation

Rev. A

6-1

APPENDIX
A.1 OVERVIEW......................................................................................A-1
A.2 EEPROM Address Map..................................................................A-2
A.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM (C224 MAIN BOARD)....................................A-4

Appendix

A.1 OVERVIEW
The main board of EPSON Stylus Color 300 is C224 MAIN BOARD and each connector
and its pin assignment are the same with the main board for EPSON Stylus Color 200.
Therefore, refer to the service manual for EPSON Stylus Color 200 for the details.

Rev. A

A-1

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

A.2 EEPROM Address Map

The table below shows the addresses of EEPROM and the contents stored at each
address.
Table A-1. EEPROM Address
Address

Data

00 - 01H
02H

(Reserved)
Market (Model)

03 - 11H

Customized model name

12 - 13H
14 - 15H
16H

Bi-D Adjustment data

(Reserved)
Fire period adjustment
data
(Reserved)
EEPROM Status

17H
18H
19H

1AH

Interface selection

1BH

Interface wait time

1CH
1DH

(Reserved)
Reply printer status
control data

1EH

Non-smear print mode

1FH

(Reserved)

A-2

THICK paper direction

Auto LF
Print direction
Network I/F mode

Value
----0:
World
1:
Japan
2 - 4: Custom
Strings counter
Strings of model field for device
ID
-36 n +36 (unit: 1/1440 inch)
-----4 n +10 (unit: 0.08sec.)
----00H:
other:
Bit 7:

Used (once initialized)

Not used (to be initialized)
<Thick paper>
0: Index card (Portrait)
1: Envelope (Landscape)
Bit 3:
<Auto LF>
0: OFF
1: ON
Bit 2:
<Network I/F mode>
0: OFF
1: ON
Bit 1/0: <Print direction>
0/0: Bi-D
0/1: Uni-D
1/1: Auto
00H:
Auto
02H:
Parallel I/F
03H:
Serial I.F
02H:
2sec.
03H:
3sec.
----Bit 0:
<function>
0: ON
1: OFF
Bit 0:
<function>
0: Normal
1: Non-smear print mode
-----

Factory
Default
00H
00H

00H

*1
00H
*1
00H
00H
82H

00H
*2
02H
*2
----00H

00H

-----

Rev. A

Appendix

Table A-2. EEPROM Address (continued)

Address

Data

20H
21H
22 - 23H
24 - 25H
26 - 27H

CR Motor initial phase

(Reserved)
YMC Accumulated time
Counter D
Counter E
(Initial charge flag)
Counter R
(Cap flushing counter)
Ink status
Counter A
(Protect counter)
Counter C
(Number of power ON)
Fire dot counter K
(Black )
Fired dot counter Y
(Yellow)
Fired dot counter M
(Magenta)
Fired dot counter C
(Cyan)
(Reserved)
Head vacuuming time A

28 - 29H
2A - 2BH
2C 2DH
2E - 2FH
30 - 35H
36 - 3BH
3C - 41H
42 - 47H
48 - 6BH
6C -6FH

70 - 73H
74 - 77H
78 - 7BH

4-color head
uninstallation time
(Reserved)
Power off time

7CH
7DH
7EH
7FH

(Reserved)
VH adjust value (KR)
VH adjust value (Vad-L)
VH adjust value (Vad-H)

Rev. A

Value

-----

00H:
01H:

Initial charge required

Initial charge done

Factory
Default
*1
----00H
00H
00H
00H
00H
00H
00H

1 count = 1ng

00H

1 count = 1ng

00H

1 count = 1ng

00H

1 count = 1ng

00H

----0 to FFFFFFFFH (unit: 10 min.)

Start from 1992/01/01 00:00

00H
01H
00H
00H
00H
00H
*2
00H
00H
*2
-----------------

0 to FFFFFFFFH (unit: 10 min.)

Start from 1992/01/01 00:00
----0 to FFFFFFFFH (unit: 10 min.)
Start from 1992/01/01 00:00
----(10000 x KR)
(1000 x VerrAD(L))
(1000 x VerrAD(H))

A-3

EPSON Stylus Color 300 Service Manual

A.3 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM (C224 MAIN BOARD)

A-4

Rev. A

EPSON OVERSEAS MARKETING LOCATIONS

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

EPSON UK LTD.

20770 Madrona Ave.

P.O. Box 2842
Torrance, CA 90509-2842
Phone:(800) 922-8911
Fax: (310) 782-5220
EPSON DEUTSCHLAND GmbH

Campus 100, Mayland Avenue,

Hemel Hempstead, Herts,
HP2 7TJ, U.K.
Phone:(+44) 01442 61144
Fax: (+44) 01442 227227

Zlpicher Strae 6,
40549 Dsseldorf Germany
Phone:(0211) 56030
Telex: 8584786

68 bis, rue Marjolin

92300, Levallois-Perret, France
Phone:33.1.40.87.37.37
Telex: 610657

EPSON AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

EPSON SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

70 GIBBES STREET, CHATSWOOD 2067

NSW.
Phone:2-9903-9000
Fax: 2-9903-9177

No.1 Temasek Avenue #36-00

Millenia Tower, Singapore 039192
Phone:(065) 33 77 911
Fax: (065) 33 41 185

EPSON HONG KONG LTD.

EPSON TAIWAN TECHNOLOGY &

TRADING LTD.

EPSON FRANCE S.A.

Rooms 4706-10, 47/F

China Resources Bldg.,
26 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Phone:2585-4300
Fax: 2827-7083

10F, No.287 Nanking E. Road, Sec.3,

Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Phone:(02) 717-7360
Fax: (02) 712-9164

EPSON ITALIA S.p.A.

EPSON IBERICA S.A.

V. le F. lli Casiraghi 427

20099 Sesto S. Giovanni
MI, Italy
Phone:2-262331
Fax: 2-2440750
EPSON PORTUGAL, S.A.

Av. de Roma, 18-26

08290 Cerdanyola del Valles
Barcelona, Spain
Phone:582.15.00
Fax: 582.15.55

R. do Progresso, 471, 1 Perafita

4460 Matosinhos, Portugal
Phone:(02) 996 14 02
Fax: (02) 996 14 11

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION

HIROOKA OFFICE / Imaging & Information Products Division
80 Harashinden, Hirooka
Shiojiri-Shi, Nagano-Ken
399-07 Japan

EPSON
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION